The article discusses the investment of over £100 million by British International Investment (BII), a British government-owned finance company, in a Chinese fund linked to the Belt and Road initiative. This initiative is a strategy by China to extend its global influence through infrastructure investments and soft loans in developing countries. The investment is in China National Investment & Guaranty Corporation (CNIGC), which is controlled by State Development & Investment Corporation (SDIC), a key player in the Belt and Road scheme. Despite BII's mandate being revised to offer alternatives to Belt and Road financing in emerging markets, British taxpayer money remains invested in CNIGC. The situation is highlighted in the context of the outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss's previous statements on the matter.

The article discusses the plight of Uyghur bookshops in Istanbul, particularly focusing on the Kutadgu Bilik bookshop, which was recently raided by Turkish police. The owner, Abdulla Turkistanli, expresses the importance of the shop for preserving Uyghur culture and language, especially in the face of China's crackdown on Uyghurs. The article highlights the broader context of Uyghur repression in China, the role of bookshops in sustaining Uyghur culture, and the pressures faced by Uyghur booksellers in Turkey due to economic challenges and political pressures. It also touches on the complex international relations between Turkey and China and the precarious situation of Uyghur refugees in Turkey. The article ends with Turkistanli's act of donating books to the community to ensure their survival in case of another raid.

The article discusses the rise of an international anti-LGBTQ movement in Turkey, where the government, led by President Erdogan, is scapegoating the LGBTQ community amidst economic downturns and public frustration. The Yesevi Alperenler Association, a nationalist Islamist organization, and its leader Kursat Mican are at the forefront of this movement, which has gained momentum with the support of conservative Turkish NGOs. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality organized an art exhibition titled 'Starting from the Middle,' which included LGBTQ themes and faced backlash, leading to a legal investigation. The article highlights the increasing influence of conservative figures on Turkish politics, Erdogan's shift towards more conservative rhetoric, and the potential for legislative changes against LGBTQ rights. The situation is compared to anti-LGBTQ movements in Russia and Hungary, with mentions of international connections among these groups. The article also touches on the personal experiences of LGBTQ individuals in Turkey, the cultural impact of restrictions, and the community's resilience in the face of adversity.

The article discusses the plight of Syrian refugees in Antakya, Turkey, following the devastating earthquakes in February 2023. The refugees, already struggling with integration, have faced increased resentment, hate speech, and violence. Turkish politicians have exploited anti-refugee sentiments in their campaigns for the upcoming presidential election. Mouna, a Syrian refugee, shares her experience of being forced out of a state-run camp and now living in a makeshift tent. The article also covers the political landscape, with President Erdogan's potential loss of power and the opposition's promises to repatriate Syrian refugees. The EU-Turkey refugee deal and its implications on Turkish public opinion are also examined. Despite the hostility, some stories of Turks and Syrians helping each other post-earthquake are mentioned. The article concludes with the uncertain future of Syrian refugees in Turkey, as the country grapples with its identity and the upcoming election.